Toolbox Talk: Power Saws

CPWR’s Toolbox Talks are designed to be used at the start of work to raise worker awareness of potential hazards workers may encounter on a job and preventative measures. The format for the toolbox talks is based on NIOSH research. Each Toolbox Talk includes an image on one side illustrating the potential hazard, and on the other side a description of the hazard and risk, a brief ‘real-life’ case example, steps to prevent an injury or illness, and questions for discussion. All of the toolbox talks are available in English and Spanish.

Summary Statement

The CPWR Toolbox Talk on Power Saws addresses the risks associated with operating power saws. The resource includes a ‘real-life’ case example, steps to prevent a related injury or illness, and questions for discussion. It includes an image (page 2) that illustrates the hazard, which can be posted in a central location as a reminder of steps to work safely.
Click on the following links to access in
English and
Spanish.
2018

Thousands of people are seriously injured each year by electrical power saws. These injuries also include electrical shock. These tools can do more than just injure a worker, they can kill a worker.

Here is an Example

Jason, a carpenter, was remodeling a home. He had finished the wood frame for an outside wall and began to trim the drywall with a power saw. Jason set the depth of the saw blade to 1 inch past the thickness of the drywall. The blade came in contact with the sawhorse and kicked back cutting his arm and torso. His injuries included cut ligaments and tendons in his arm.

How would you have prevented such an incident?

Have you ever been injured by a power saw?

Preventing Power Saw Injuries

Read the owner’s manual before you first use a saw. Keep blades sharp, clean, and oiled. Inspect blades for cracks.

When you use a saw, wear goggles or safety glasses with side shields, even if you wear a face shield. Also wear proper gloves and shoes.

Do not wear jewelry, such as chains.

Do not wear loose clothes.

If you have long hair, tie it inside your hard hat.

Do not cut unless you have a clear work area and solid footing.

An electric saw needs to be double-insulated or have a 3-prong plug in a grounded outlet.

Unplug a saw before you change a blade.

What Are We Going to Do Today?

What will we do here at the worksite today to prevent improper use of power saws?